IBM Intellistation 185 AIX workstation (2016)
9 hours ago
- #PowerPC
- #Workstation
- #IBM
- The IBM IntelliStation POWER 185, released in 2006, used PowerPC 970 processors, not POWER5 as sometimes misclassified.
- Despite advancements like POWER5+ and DDR2 in the 285 model, the 185 reverted to DDR1 and did not use POWER chips, possibly due to its origins in the System p5 185 (7037-A50).
- Designed for CAD and industrial design under AIX, the 185 emphasized quiet operation with extensive foam lining and a unique front baffle design.
- The system's use of PowerPC 970MP in single-core mode was undocumented, likely to reduce thermal output, with an option to add a second chip for dual-core simulation.
- AIX compatibility and hardware virtualization support distinguished it from consumer Power Mac G5s, aligning it with IBM's enterprise POWER systems.
- GPU options included IBM's GXT4500P and GXT6500P for AIX, and Matrox's GXT135P for both AIX and Linux, catering to high-performance CAD needs.
- The IntelliStation 185's firmware and PCI adapter placement were optimized for performance, with specific slots designated for high-bandwidth adapters.
- Despite its workstation focus, the 185 could serve as a server, though this underutilized its CAD and graphical capabilities.
- AIX 7.1 was supported on the 185, contrary to some IBM documentation, though it wasn't optimized for single-PSU systems like the 185.
- The system's niche in UNIX CAD workstations faded as the market shifted towards x64 Windows, leading to IBM discontinuing the IntelliStation line by 2009.